CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA
Children's Health Tip of the Day - June 17, 2009

With little league season in full swing, orthopaedic surgeons are pitching the idea of limiting the number of balls your young rookie throws. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that throwing too many fastballs, curveballs and sliders can result in "little league elbow."

Causes of little league elbow

Little league elbow is a growth plate injury of the inner elbow. It is caused by repetitive throwing, which weakens the cartilage in the elbow and causes it to pull apart from the arm bone.

More young children are suffering from little league elbow

Little league elbow is on the rise, say doctors, because of year-round training, higher intensities at young ages, longer competitive seasons, and improper conditioning and training. The AAO reminds parents that children’s bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are still growing, which makes them more susceptible to injury, particularly from overuse.

Signs of little league elbow

Symptoms of little league elbow is pain at the inner elbow, which may be severe. The pain may be accompanied by swelling, redness and warmth.

What to do when elbow pain occurs

If your little leaguer is experiencing elbow pain, he should stop throwing immediately, apply ice for 15 minutes, and wrap the elbow in a bandage or compression sleeve. Continued pain warrants a trip to the doctor to determine the extent of the injury.

If caught early, little league elbow can usually be treated with rest, ice and compression wraps. However, if the injury to the growth plate is more severe, a cast may be necessary. On rare occasions, the injury is severe enough to warrant surgery.

Count the pitches. While most league guidelines state a maximum of four to 10 innings per week, the Committee suggests a better way to prevent injury is to count the pitches, not the innings. Keep kids between 9 and 14 years old to 75 pitches per game and 600 pitches per season.

Limit leagues. Pitchers should not be allowed to circumvent pitch limits by participating in more than one league at a time.

Use proper style and form. Seek professional training so that the throwing form is correct; always warm up before throwing.

No sliders or curveballs allowed. Young pitchers should utilize the fastball and change-up exclusively. Until age 14, the athlete’s hand usually isn’t big enough to properly grip the ball for a slider or curveball, causing them to twist the wrist and elbow to get the proper rotation. This increases the stress on the inner elbow growth plate and increases the risk of injury.

No playing through the pain. Do not let a child pitch in pain; remove him from the game immediately to reduce the risk of further – or permanent – injury.

Effective July 1, 2015 new legislation was enacted to help protect children from abuse and neglect. Any volunteer (head or assistant coach) responsible for the welfare of children or having direct contact with children will be required to have appropriate clearances. Therefore, any individuals interested in coaching in QYBA will need to obtain the necessary clearances to meet Pennsylvania laws. The league will be maintaining records and ensure the coaches adhere to the law.

Once the clearances are obtained they are good for a period of three years. Any volunteer who has valid clearances can submit a copy to QYBA.

All volunteers will need to complete the following:

Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check (SP4-164) through the PA state police. You can print the Pennsylvania State Police form or complete the clearance online.

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (CY113). You can print the PA Child Abuse form or complete online.

Effective July 25, 2015 fees for the Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance have been waived for nonpaid volunteers.

Volunteers that have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years will need to swear in writing that there are NO criminal offenses against the individual. The form should be printed, signed, and submitted.

If an FBI fingerprint check is required, a $27.50 fee will accompany this clearance.

Replace mud with Dry Infield Mix at rate of 3 shovels for every shovel of wet mud removed

Do Not Rake Wet Infield Dirt. Just score the dirt with small rakes. The air will dry the infield much quicker.

Rake Mound and Home Plate Carefully. Try to rake infield mix away from grass. Rake Home Plate Area from catcher’s area toward the pitcher’s mound. We slope this area so water drains toward the backstop.

Rake base paths parallel to the foul lines (Example: Home to Third)

Rake infield areas from the outfield toward the infield grass. DO NOT rake dirt unto the field grass. Grass will NOT grow on infield clay mix.

Repair Pitcher’s Mound Carefully and after EVERY game. Rake to provide plateau at pitcher’s rubber. Fill all Landing Area holes and the area in front of the pitcher’s rubber with NEW infield mix after every use. Tamp all filled areas. Try to sprinkle new dry infield mix while tamping firmly.

Line Fields using string lines. 1st and 3rd bases are in fair territory as are the Foul Poles. Use batter’s box template. Empty liner of lime when lining is completed.

Daily upkeep and dugout housekeeping will provide all teams with playable fields.

DO NOT sweep water from infield dirt with brooms onto grass. Use sponge rollers.